It seems like the endless runner genre is really picking up steam in the App Store lately. Games like Tiny Wings and Temple Run have made their way to the top spot in downloads.

Skyrise Runner is another game to add to the list of good quality apps in that category. The best part about this game is that it is free.

Players are off and running right from the start. There is a two sentence tutorial to get you going, but you must figure out the rest on your own. The arrow button on the left lets you jump and the button with three horizontal lines on the right is for shooting.

Try to collect as many blue and red crystals as possible as you speed across the landscape. There are big gaps in the ground that you must jump over Sometimes, the gap is too big and you’ll have to double-tap to get all the way across. There are loggers along the way, chopping down the forest. It is your job to “neutralize” them with your special ability.

Sometimes, you will catch a feather and turn into a bird. In order to stay up, you must flap your wings by tapping the jump button. There are many obstacles high in the air to knock you back to the ground, so be careful.

The longer you run, the faster you go. You will find yourself speeding along the forest so fast that it is almost impossible to see the loggers in time to neutralize them.

The coins you collect can be used to buy power-ups and bonuses to help get through the game. This is obviously a way for the developer to make money. However, they made the game so fun that you don’t need to buy coins. This is one of those times when you feel like you are cheating someone because the game is so fun and you really don’t need to spend any real money to play.

This game is a lot of fun and it is hard to believe it is free. Even though there is a store where you can purchase power-ups and bonuses, you don’t need any of them in order to have a great time playing.

What I liked: The graphics are smooth. The theme is definitely an homage to Avatar. The fast-paced runner action is great.

What I didn’t like: There is not enough guidance. I had to loose my flight ability three times before I figured out that I had to flap my wings by tapping the jump button.

To buy or not to buy: Absolutely. This game is lots of fun and worth the free download.